Inaugural Youth Bilingual Discourse (JCCI)

We are thrilled to announce the success of the inaugural Youth Bilingual Discourse (JCCI), which took place on Saturday, August 3rd, at the National Library, in collaboration with the National Library Board.

This landmark event brought together over 100 students from 11 JCCI institutions, who engaged in thought-provoking discussions on bilingualism and the future of Mother Tongue languages. The forum explored the dual impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on Mother Tongue languages and the various challenges they face.

The keynote speaker was Madam Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health. Madam Rahayu spoke on the discussion theme: ‘Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity through Bilingualism for a Sustainable Future’, which set the direction for the group conversations in English followed by the respective Mother Tongue languages.

Participants expressed deep appreciation for the dynamic exchanges, which allowed them to build on each other’s arguments and reach a consensus on various issues. For instance, the discussion on AI’s impact on Mother Tongue languages highlighted the unique nuances and paralinguistic features inherent in human interaction—underscoring that AI should be viewed as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human communication.

The discourse on challenges facing Mother Tongue languages revealed a collective belief in the positive, synergistic potential of bilingualism in Singapore. Participants recognized that learning two languages and their associated value systems strengthens character and fosters a more inclusive society.

Moreover, attendees were heartened to discover a shared passion for their Mother Tongue languages, reinforcing a sense of community and mutual support.

The event successfully elevated participants’ engagement in both English and their Mother Tongue languages, fostering richer dialogues and expanding networking opportunities among students from higher educational institutions, all within a vibrant, safe, and interactive environment.